Western Specialty Contractors’ Fort Lauderdale branch has completed an extensive plaza deck restoration project at a luxury retail property in Palm Beach, FL, while allowing the property’s shops to remain open throughout construction.
Western was selected for the project after completing waterproofing repairs to the property’s rooftop parking deck the previous season. Building on that relationship and its familiarity with the property, Western was brought into the planning process approximately six months before construction began to collaborate with the project team on a detailed phasing plan.
The project required crews to remove existing tile at the structural level along the property’s main retail promenade, prepare the structural concrete slab, install a new waterproofing system and allow new tile to be installed. All work took place directly in front of active luxury retailers.
Careful phasing was essential to maintaining pedestrian traffic, keeping every retailer accessible and protecting the shops and their merchandise throughout construction. Western worked closely with the project team to develop a sequence that allowed restoration work to proceed without requiring any retailers to close.
Product selection also played an important role in meeting the project’s demanding schedule and site requirements. Western installed Tremco AlphaGuard FC LO, a fast-curing, low-VOC waterproofing system. The system’s quick curing time allowed tile installation to follow closely behind Western’s crews. At the same time, its low-odor properties made it well-suited for work adjacent to occupied high-end retail spaces.
The accelerated installation was particularly important due to Palm Beach’s limited construction season, which permits this type of construction work from May through November. That timeframe also coincides with South Florida’s rainy season, making it critical for crews to remove existing materials, prepare the substrate and install waterproofing quickly to keep the intricate tile installation moving.
During work in two access walkways, crews discovered an existing topping slab in poor condition. Western collaborated with the project team to remove the deteriorated topping slab and re-waterproof the affected areas before proceeding with the remaining work.
“This project required an incredible amount of planning and coordination to perform extensive restoration work directly in front of active retailers without disrupting their operations,” said Kyle McDonald, Project Manager at Western Specialty Contractors. “Our early involvement in the planning process allowed the entire project team to develop a phasing strategy that maintained pedestrian access, protected the retailers and kept the work moving efficiently.”
The project began in May 2025 and was completed in September 2025. Western completed its work ahead of schedule and within budget to the satisfaction of the project team.
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About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.